Potty Training!!

                      SOMETHING TO SMILE ABOUT!!!!

SUCCESSFUL SECRETS

Congratulations on your cute little puppy! Now how do we house train her? Well it’s good to know that puppies about eight weeks old go to the great out doors A LOT.  It’s helpful to set a timer and take her out every 60 minuets and take her out right after napping. You need to keep a close eye on her. If she starts circling and sniffing or squatting she is looking for a spot to do her business. When you take her outside it’s a good idea to take her to the same spot every time and tell her to go potty. Bowel movements usually occur shortly after eating. If you cannot keep a close eye on her, put her in a pet porter or crate, then let her outside right away.  Dogs are naturally clean animals and will not want to soil in such a small area such as the crate. She should not have the run of the house all the time. Start letting her play in one room only and block off the rest of the house so you can always keep an eye on her.

              HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?

Puppy training is a process and each puppy is different. It may take a day or it may take a few weeks.  It also depends on your consistency and supervision on how successful your puppy is trained. Puppies are not physiologically able to “hold it” until they are about five to six months old.  At this age they can hold it for six-eight hours. The older your puppy gets the less you will have to take her out. Most puppies will not want to go outside when it’s cold but it will not hurt them to go out in the cold for a few minutes.                                                                             

                   PRAISE & REWARD

It is important to praise your puppy in a high pitched happy voice after she does her business. A little treat afterwards may also help speed up the process. Consistent positive reinforcement is a key to successful house-training.

                  SCHEDULED FEEDINGS

Scheduled feedings help your puppy with scheduled bowel movements.  If possible feed your puppy 2-3 times a day (about six hours apart) at the same time each day. Most puppies need to go 30-60 minuets after eating.  If you plan on switching pet foods do not just switch brands in one day.  this can cause severe diarrhea with your puppy.  Mix the old brand a little at a time with the new brand over a one week period if possible.

                                  BED TIME

When you get your new puppy it is very tempting to let her sleep in bed with you.  Please do not fall into this temptation, it will make your potty training efforts much more difficult in the future.  Instead let your puppy sleep in a Pet Porter or Small Kennel at night and during nap times.  You need to make sure the kennel is small so your puppy will not potty in her kennel.  Shredded paper is the best bedding to use when potty training with a kennel.  In the morning take your puppy right outside, carry her the first week or two and then let her run to the door after that.  When going to the door you should say "Outside" "Outside" several times in an excited voice and then let her do her thing with praise after.  Over time when you say "Outside" anytime during the day if she needs to potty she will run to the door.

ACCIDENTS HAPPEN

Always remember that your puppy is just a baby and needs time to learn.  You are the teacher so she relies on your consistency and opportunities to do the right thing. If she goes to the bathroom in the house don’t yell at her or strike her.  A firm "No" and a fast trip right outside is the best method to interrupt this accident.  Make a note to yourself to watch her more closely and take her out more frequently.